Question

what is the hybridization state on the central c atom in the cyanate ion, cno¯?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the Lewis structure

The cyanate ion \( \text{CNO}^- \) has a central \( \text{C} \) atom. The total number of valence electrons is \( 4 + 5+6 + 1=16 \). The Lewis structure has \( \text{C} \) double - bonded to \( \text{N} \) and double - bonded to \( \text{O} \) (or other resonance forms, but the electron - group geometry around \( \text{C} \) is linear).

Step2: Calculate the steric number

The steric number \( SN=\) number of bonding pairs + number of lone pairs. For the central \( \text{C} \) atom in \( \text{CNO}^- \), \( SN = 2\) (two double bonds, no lone pairs on \( \text{C} \)).

Step3: Relate steric number to hybridization

If \( SN = 2 \), the hybridization is \( sp \).

Answer:

\( sp \)